Priscilla Cornwell

Why do you teach?

Growing up I trained under a plethora of different teachers, competed at a ton of different dance competitions, and I even ran the awards ceremonies for one for 4 years. Just observing and watching so many different teaching styles and how students react to them inspired me to jump into the world of teaching and create my own style. I always thought I would only be a performer, but the moment I stepped into the classroom and taught my very first dance class at 19 years old I was hooked. The amazing thing about teaching is you continue to grow and develop even more as an artist because you learn from your students!

Your favorite dance moment?

I wasn’t per say dancing, but I was at a dance convention being interviewed for scholarships and to become an assistant. It was my senior year of high school and they asked me where I was going to college for dance. I broke down crying and told him that I had only been accepted into one of my top college choices and he told me in that moment words I’ll never forget, “No one cares that you did not get into the other ones. You can become the dancer you want to be, not just because of your university applications, but because of how hard you train. The limit is in you, not in the surrounding environment.” I still live by those words today!

Why you teach at DSOM?

Dance Studio of Maine is the most organized, well-developed, and artistic studio I’ve ever encountered. I am so unbelievably grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the family!

Personal Fun Fact

How long have you been teaching and dancing?

I have been teaching for 4 years and dancing since I was 3 years old. I grew up training and competing in the dance competition hub of America – New Jersey. I graduated as Salutatorian of my class at the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy where I majored in dance and completed my thesis, “Break a Leg – The Relationship Between Injury and Passion in Dancers”.

Some extra details:

Member of the National Honors Society for Dance Arts

Dancer for the NBA Lady Red Claws

B.S. in Advertising and Marketing Communications from The Fashion Institute of Technology

Previous Work Study at Broadway Dance Center

Message to my students:

Take care of your bodies because you only get one!!! Dance for yourself and your passion. There is no limit- the only limit is in you!!